Sewing cabinet



A. B. BELL SEWING CABINET 9 Aug. 2l, 1951 Filed Nov. 27, 1948 I N VEN TOR:

` W1 TNEssEs v Ar'edell, @auf/w ATTORNEYS.

Patented Aug. 21, 1951 UNITED STATESfPATENT OFFICE SEWING CABINET Alfred B. Bell, Philadelphia, Pa.

Application November 27, 1948, Serial No. 62,375

3 Claims.

This invention has general reference to work boxes or sewing cabinets and more particularly relates to the species or type of the latter adapted, when opened to afford easy access to the numerous articles commonly used by a seamstress or housewife and which, when closed, serves to retain said articles in orderly arrangement with incidental maintenance against accidental displacement.

The primary object of my invention is to provide a novel form of work-box or sewing cabinet including opposed closure elements or halfcovers adapted for pivotal movement from a closed inclined position over through the vertical to an open position above the horizontal.

Another object of my invention is to provide a work-box or sewing cabinet of the type dened inthe preceding paragraph wherein the closed position of the half-covers is controlled by engagement of the free or outer edges of said halfcovers against a relatively intervening abutment, and the open position whereof is maintained by contact of a projecting portion of the pivoted edge of said half-covers against the respectively associated walls of the box or cabinet to which they are fulcrumed or hinged.

A further object of my invention is to provide a work-box or sewing cabinet of the above typied form including rack and/or posts for the compact reception of different sized spools with incidental provision whereby such spools are prevented from displacement when the cabinet is closed.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a work-box or sewing cabinet equipped with novel reinforcements also serviceable as holder means for the various forms, sizes and types of needles, thimbles and other articles usually assoelated with the sewing, crocheting and knitting arts.

While the above stated denitions are indicative in a general way of the primary aims of my invention other objects with ancillary advantages will be evident to those skilled in the art upon a full understanding of the construction, arrangement, serviceability and compactness, of the novel cabinet means, hereinafter fully disclosed and illustrated by the accompanying sheet of drawings; while the appended claims more particularly dene the features of novelty over the prior art.

In the drawings- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one practical embodiment of my improved work-box or sewing cabinet in open position.

Fig. 2 is a transverse vertical section of the samewith the right hand half-cover in closed position. v

Fig. 3 is a detail section taken approximately as indicated by the angled arrows III-III in Fig. 1, but drawn to larger scale for clearer illustration of one of the reinforcement means hereinafter fully described.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary detail section illustrative of a typical manner of mounting the combination rack and spool post xtures to the cabinet structure.

Fig. 5 is a detail section taken approximately as indicated by the angled arrows V--V in Fig. 1 but drawn to a corresponding scale to that of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 isa similar scale sectional detail in the region of any one of the half-cover hinge means which is hereinafter fully described; and,

Fig. 7 is a sectional view somewhat similar to Fig. 2 of a modified form of my invention, and showing both of the half-covers in closed position.

In describing the forms of my invention` exemplied by the drawings herewith specic terms will be employed, but it is to be understood the scope of said invention is not thereby limited; each` such term being intended to embrace all equivalents which perform the same function for an analagous purpose.

Referring more in detail to theV drawings the improved sewing cabinet shown more particularly by Figs. 1 and 2 comprises a bottom 8 preferably, although not essentially, of rectangular contour, with permanently attached opposingly l.inclined similarlyA configured sides 9, 9', and pen- .tagonally-shaped vertical ends I0, IIJ; which conjointly dene the body portion a of the cabinet. It is to be here noted that the body bottom 8 is of a predetermined size with the surrounding edge preferably Of the half-round section shown; while the sides 9, 9 and ends Il), I0 are evenly inset relative to said bottom along their lower edge, in order that the said half round section of the bottom 8 defines an outwardly projecting bead I I with respect to said sides and ends. It is also noticeable that I preferably out 01T the uppermost angular tips or apices of the respective pentagonally-shaped body ends l0, I0', as conventionally indicated by the dotted line I2 in Figs. 2 and 7, to define the at top I 2 of Fig. 5, for a purpose now to be described.

The reference character I3 comprehensively designates a brace bar, or the carrying handle I3 of my improved sewing cabinet, said handle preferably being made of durable material, such as a hard wood, and appropriately shaped to include an elongated hand hold or grasp aperture I4, and end roundings I5. The carrying handle I3 is of a length in excess of the over-all dimension intervening the outer faces of the cabinet body vertical ends I0, I in order that inwardly spaced transverse notches I6 may be made therein for snug seating engagement over the cutoff at tops I2 of said ends ID, I9. Now it will be readily understood that when the carrying handle notches I6 are engaged over the cut-away portions or flat tops I2', with an intervening n lrn of glue, and a wood screw, such as I1 Fig. 5, passed through a bore I8 in the carrying handle I3, is threadedly driven down into the end I9 or I9 that said parts will, to all practical intent, be not only firmly bonded together but also rigidly braced against relative lateral separation or displacement.

The cabinet body "a is further rigidified by diagonally opposing corner reinforcements I9, preferably of triangular cross-section, and one of which for instance I9', see Figs. 1 and 3, is longitudinally bored to a desirable depth for service as a container for bodkins 26, darning needles 2l and so forth. One or more corner brackets 22 preferably each having a taper aperture 23 therethrough for seating reception of a thimble 24 is, or are, provided; while a larger size bracket 25 equipped with a vertical post or peg 26, for holding a large size spool 21 of sewing thread, is appropriately mounted across another inner corner of the cabinet body a, see Figs. 1 and 2.

Turning now to the closure elements for the cabine body a, and as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 7, the same comprise complemental or opposing half-covers 28, 28', each said half-cover being of approximately rectangular form and of dimensions to snugly seat on the upper inclined edges 29 of said body portion a with anking abutment against each side of the carrying-handle I3, and lateral outward projection beyond the respective upper edges 39 of the cabinet sides 9, 9', as readily understood from Figs. 2 and '7. More specifically stated each half-cover 28, 28 embodies What may be conveniently termed a free or straight edge 3 I, rectangularly-related parallel ends 32, and a convex or cambered hinge-attaching edge 33 opposite the free edge 3|, which overhangs the respective sides 9, 9' as aforesaid. The half-covers 28, 28', see Figs. 1, 2, 6 and 7, are preferably, although not essentially, movably attached to the cabinet body sides 9, 9 by a pair of hinges, one leaf 34 whereof is appropriately secured by screws 35 in an inclined notch 36 provided for its reception inwardly spaced with respect to the cabinet body ends I9, Ill. The other leaf 31 of the hinge is rigidly secured to the half-cover cambered edge portion 33 preferably by aid of a tubular rivet 38 having the shank free end expanded over at 39 into rigid contact with the confronting face of said hinge leaf 31, as best understood from Fig. 6.

Preferably attached to the under or inner face of each of the half-covers 26, 28 by appropriate means, such as dowel pins 49, see Fig. 4, is a lengthwise extending rack 4I equipped with a series of suitably spaced posts or pegs 42 for reception of spools 43 of sewing material, such as the diversified cottons and/or threads conventionally used in the art. The location of the racks 4I obviously depends on the length of the pegs 42 which may be of a dimension to accommodate pairs of the spools 43 in coaxial alignment. In connection with the spool racks 4I and posts or pegs 42, it is to be best observed from Fig. 2, that the free ends of said pegs move into spaced proximity below the carrying-handle I3 whereby said spools are protected from becoming disengaged from said posts or pegs when the half-covers 28, 2S' are closed. At this juncture it is to be particularly observed from Figs. l and 2 that when either or both of the half-covers 28, 28 is or are moved into open position, each said half-cover is held at a complemental or opposed inclination above the horizontal by aid of the central portion of its cambered attaching edge being beveled, as indicated at 33' in Fig. 2, for abutment against the relatively confronting side wall 9 or 9 of the body portion a aforesaid.

I may also mount an additional rack 4I and pegs 42', Fig. 1, on either or both of the cabinet side walls 9, 9' within the cabinet body portion a, or as typically indicated at b in Fig. 2; and in order to obviate or avoid unnecessary repetitive explanation I have designated such parts by an added prime exponent in said Figs. l and 2. The sides 9 and ends IG, I6 may, obviously, be connected together by dc-wel pins such as 4Q', Fig. 3, without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention; while inclined pegs 44 may be mounted within the cabinet body a for suspension of a pin-cushion 45 or a needle case. 46 designates an appropriate clamp for one or more pair of scissors 41; whereas 48 indicates a suitable holder for a conventional tape measure 49;

50 indicates a suitable cellophane or plastic folder conveniently inserted between one of the racks 4I and the underside of the half-cover 28' f-or example, to serve as a holder for a conventional package 5I of sewing needles. 52, Figs. 2 and 1, are knobs for manipulating the covers 28, 2B', having their shanks 53 preferably glued or otherwise secured in socket-holes 54, in an obvious manner.

Turning now to the modified form of my invention shown by Fig. '1, all parts corresponding to those previously described are designated by like reference characters, and only those which differ will be hereinafter described. It is to be remarked, however, that the device of Fig. '7 has been designed, preferably for usage as a combination knitting or crocheting cabinet and, to the attainment of such purpose, the sides 9, 9 are outwardly curved as shown to provide adequate lateral space for balls 55, of knitting and/or crocheting material, the free ends, or respective end 56, whereof is or are drawn out through suitable eyelets 51 tted into the end walls I9, I0 for easy draft by the user, in an obvious manner. Attention is also directed to the fact that the previously described half-cover spool racks 4I 42 are replaced by opposed trough-like sheetmaterial holders 58 for aligned reception of sewing-material spools 43. rlhe holders 58 preferably have stop ends and are secured to the respective half-covers 2B, 28 in any convenient manner, and they are of appropriate section so that the confronting edges 59 approach one another, see Fig. 7 for prevention of displacement of the contained spools 43, as hereinbefore set forth. It is also to be noted that I provide this form of my invention with rectangular section racks 60 for aligned storage of other sewing material spools 63 adjacent the top edges of the curved sides 9, 9.

From the foregoing it will be readily understood that by my invention I have provided a novel and portable cabinet for sewing, knitting and/ or crochet workers, which is of compact and extremely useful character; the component parts whereof are preferably and mainly made of wood, with a minimum amount of metal hardware fittings, such as the hinges 34-31, and/or the holders 58, which are covered in when the body portion a is closed, and thereby protected. A pronounced advantage also inhering to my invention is that the manufacturer is enabled to utilize short cuttings and offals of Wood, and thereby greatly reduce the normal waste in other lines that require longer or larger stock.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a work box or sewing cabinet of the class described, a body with an oblong bottom, oblong side walls, and pentagonal end walls having the uppermost angular tips removed to define flat tops; a medially-disposed carrying handle or brace bar extending longitudinally of the body between the end walls, said brace bar having inwardly spaced transverse notches for engagement over the end wall flat tops; cover elements hinged to the top edges of the side walls and occupying complemental angular positions when closed resting on the oppositely sloped top edge segments of the end walls, with their swinging edges contacting the handle bars, said cover elements have cambered hinged-attaching edges overhanging the body side walls for service as stop means to main the cover elements in complemental upward angular positions relative to the horizontal when open; and spool supporting means on the inner faces of the cover elements, said means comprising longitudinally-extending rack bars with upstanding pins therealong for impalement of individual spools approximately paralleling the cover elements, and said pins being of such length that their free ends reach into close proximity below the bottom edge of the handle bar, whereby the spools are positively prevented from displacement when said cover elements are closed.

2. In a work box or sewing cabinet of the class described, a body with an oblong bottom, oblong side walls, and pentagonal end walls having the uppermost angular tips cut-off to denne flat tops; cover elements hinged to the top edges of the side walls and occupying complemental angular positions when closed and resting on the oppositely sloped top edge segments of the end walls, and said cover elements having convexed attaching-edges projecting outwardly beyond the body side-walls for service as stop means to mainw tain the cover elements in complementa] upward angular positions relative to the horizontal when open; and spool supporting means mounted on the inner faces of the cover elements comprising longitudinally-extending rack bars with upstanding spaced pins therealong for impalement of individual spools approximately paralleling the respective cover elements with capacity to retain the spools thereon in both the closed and open positions of said cover elements.

3. In a work box or sewing cabinet of the class described a body with an oblong bottom, oblong side walls, and pentagonal end walls; a medially disposed carrying handle bar of a length in excess of the over-all dimensions intervening the body wall outer faces, said bar embodying rounded ends and extending longitudinally of the body and being provided with transverse notches to t down over the uppermost apices of the end walls; cover elements hinged to the top edges of the side walls with their swinging edges contacting the handle bar when in closed position, and said elements having their attaching-edges shaped for abutment against the outer surface of the body side walls to maintain the cover elements in cornplemental upward angular positions relative to the horizontal when in open position; filler pieces of triangular cross-section set into the corner juncture between the side walls; and one of the said filler pieces including a longitudinal bore for service as a needle carrier.

ALFRED B. BELL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 525,509 OLeary Sept. 4, 1894 559,743 Ormsly May 5, 1896 1,543,492 Bilton June 23, 1925 2,226,693 Bruno Dec. 31, 1940 

